My 2001 Ranger (124K mi.) has just started having a 4WD engagement problem. Here are the symptoms:
- When cold (freezing) it will not shift out of 2WD high with the switch
- It will shift when warmed up (5 miles or so)
- On cold start up, no 2WD, 4WD hi, or 4WD lo lights flash on dash
- When cold, no lights when switch is turned, and no sounds from control module
- When warm, all lights work and sounds heard from CM. Shifts fine.

I suspect the CM, but want to check the collective wisdom of the forum before going further. Any place to get a CM except Ford? Thanks.

 

Check ALL fuses and relays to 4WD

4WD Switch

4WD module---usually the culprit. on passenger side kick panel, as heater warms it up it may work when it wants to.

Transfer Case Motor

My 4WD light does not come on or 4WD engage...ive checked fuses, replaced switch and TC Motor, now 4WD control module will be replaced.

If you have ever ran battery dead or jumped started another vehicle, that could cause control module to go dead.

 

Yup, in fact I had run the battery down recently and replaced it. The truck has been jump started in the past also. Is there a source for the CM other than a Ford dealer? How much are they?

 

I purchased a used one Kinkers Auto Parts for 29 $15 shipping $44 total. They call it a chassis control module. I 1st searched carparts.com it gave me prices and I found kinkers, called them and they shipped it same day I got it in less than two business days

 

There are 2 7mm screws that hold the module in place, unplugged old cm plugged in new, put kick plate back on, started truck, lights came on, switched to 4 hi, I heard the module click on, drove into some snow, got rear wheels stuck, placed it in 4 hi, and she pulled right out of it.

 

The website is Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market. it is a database of parts for specific MAKE/MODEL Kinkers Auto Parts is a salvage yard.

 

I noticed a new wrinkle to the problem this morning: Since the switch from 2WD to 4WDH is unreliable right now, I leave the truck parked with the transfer case in 4WDH. This morning I left for work in the truck and noticed that the 4WDH light did not come on until the vehicle warmed up; around 6 miles. At that point the switch would work. This seems to indicate that it is the control module that's problematic. I supposed a sluggish relay might do the same if that's possible. Where is the relay located? Is there a way to test it? Strangely, my Hayes manual doesn't show that.

 

The relay is under the hood. Where the major fuses are located. the owners manual should tell you which is the 4WD relay. you can swap a different relay to see if it makes a difference.